Pardon me while I scream in frustration...

[Ken Cook]

Okay, I've gotta rant to someone and you guys are elected.
I am NOT the best swordsmen in my live steel group.
However, My technique is GREAT, I'm fast, and I have great agility.
Ranking myself honestly and being brutally unforgiving of myself, I am at least one of the top 5 duelists.
So what's my problem?

I CAN'T WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guys who have NOWHERE near my ability, knowledge, speed, stamina, or just downright TALENT are kicking my butt.
They're not doing anything brilliant, they're just getting in with SIMPLE stuff that should never come CLOSE to getting past me.
Yet they do.
I'm not underestimating them. I've learned the HARD way that anyone can "get the cut." So I take all opponents seriously.
I've re-examined my tactics and overall strategy and tried TOTALLY different approaches. Nothing works.
I know you guys can't diagnose without even seeing me fight, but GEEZ!!!!!!!!!!
What the HELL am I doing WRONG?????

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Tráceme no sin la razón, envoltura mi no sin honor

 

[Robert Marotz]

This isn't directly correlated with swordsmanship, but I noticed when I was knife throwing...if I got a little frustrated when something went wrong (stuck a knife in ground or cut my hand on a steel burr) my performance would decrease, and as a direct result I'd get more frustrated because I knew I was better than the target was telling me. I couldn't say if you are succumbing to the same kind of thing, but one never does know except maybe you.

Getting enough sleep? Feeling odd in recent times? Lots of potential reasons, but you'll snap out of it soon enough.

Good luck,
Shinryû.

 

[peter nap]

Ken, it sounds like you may be trying a little too hard. Try to relax a little and let the memory muscles do what they were trained for.

You may find that they are not getting through your defense as often.

 

[Anton Irmen]

This might sound stupid, but I found out the hard way that (somewhat contrary to some other martial arts) in live steel fighting it is much better to act, than to react. In other words: Try to be offensive and force your opponent to react to your style of fighting, and take advantage of the things you are good at (e.g. speed, reach...) Having said this, I have to admit that I am still "getting cut" much more often than I like it...

 

[mwinter]

anytime I get whooped up on in competition or practice (like today at the TacPro 3-Gun Competition---JEEEEZ!...but I did have 6 misfires due to lousy, old shotgun ammo)-- I go back to the basics.
I refine the speed and accuracy of my techniques thru many, many correct repititions and push myself hard to be smooth and decisive every time, without fail or excuse.
I also practice extra with a partner who is willing to simply help me train rather than compete or hone his/her own skills...again many correct repititions, reflex drills, etc.
good luck!

 

[Kumdo]

Hmmm. You obviously believe your technique is awesome and that your opponents suck, but in my mind, they must be pretty good if they are beating you. This is a common issue with martial artists as well- someone excels at a particular style only to be whipped by some untrained "street fighter". When we are used to fighting only people with "good" style and technique, sometimes someone swinging wildly will seemingly effortlessly get in a good hit. Maybe you can learn from these "talentless" opponents. Try not to focus on your training, but simply be in the moment. Empty your mind and don't focus your eyes on any part of your opponent (especially the sword). Let yourself react naturally. Just an idea. And like someone said above, don't get frustrated (or cocky).



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John Gonzalez
Exclusive Dealer
Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works

 

[Gaucho]

Ken,

Don't freak, my friend, we all get in a slump every once in a while.

The usual culprits are:

1. You are thinking too much during the fight and thereby slowing down your reaction time. Empty your mind of tactics and expectations and let your body just go for it.

2. You are reacting to your opponent rather than acting and therefore controlling the fight. As has been said many times, action is faster than reaction. Try taking the fight to your opponent. Set him up with enganyos, and so on.

3. Even though your technique and handspeed may be excellent, your footwork may not be good enough. If you watch tapes of bladefights, you will discover that shuffling footwork is what mostly gets used and what works most often in realtime. Many fighters don't shuffle nearly as fast or as fluidly as they think they do. Try doing what Prof. Sotis calls synchronicities to improve your shuffling-ie., perform quick single and two step shuffles- forward and back, side to side, square pattern- with two cuts and a check at the end(because usually in a fight you can get in two cuts before you need to check). Work through your entire 'lines of attack' sequence as you shuffle- eg., angle 1, angle 2, check; then angle 2, angle 3, check; and so on, over and over again until you are wicked fast and fluid. Then, during a fight, just move perpendicular to the opponent's line of attack with an upper body movement or a shuffle and this should help.

And don't forget to eat your succatash

.

Take Care,

Mario


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Gaucho

Tuvo muy mala suerte...se callo en mi cuchillo.

 

[Ken Cook]

Thanks all, there's some good advice here.
I have to take small exception to your comment though Kumdo. My opponents don't "suck" and I'm not QUITE that arrogant. (close sometimes, but not quite!)

Your point about being whipped by an untrained fighter is well taken though, and perhaps I am a little too locked into my style.
I have a big set of duels this Saturday, that will not only count double points for over all swordsman for the year, but will also determine ranking within the club.
I'll admit I'm nervous, but I'm going to loosen up, try to be water more than stone, and TRY not to let myself be so psyched by this "slump" I'm in.
Thanks for all the input, and thanks for not pointing out what a WHINEY bastid I am!

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Tráceme no sin la razón, envoltura mi no sin honor

 

[Kumdo]

I have to apologize for somehow skimming over the first sentence in your post. You clearly opine that you are not the best in your group. Despite that you do sound a little cocky, and thus my slightly bitter response. Sorry about that. I just think that humility is a great tool in becoming a better swordsman, martial artist, etc.

It's clear, though, that your post was written in frustration so it may have been a bit colored.

Good self-suggestion about being water too. You'll do fine. Just remember not to let the ego get involved- you do this for fun right?!

(Listen to me: I'm sounding kind of arrogant myself, with all this advice!)

Good luck!


------------------
John Gonzalez
Exclusive Dealer
Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works